Jake Tapper to Sen. Padilla: ‘Here’s what the bill actually says’

CNN host Jake Tapper pressed Democratic California Sen. Alex Padilla on Wednesday, pointing out the wide range of acceptable identification options under the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.

Most Republican lawmakers support the SAVE America Act’s nationwide voter ID mandate, but Democrats actively oppose the measure. During an appearance on “The Lead,” Tapper said that, while political messaging on the bill is heated, the law itself allows multiple forms of proof of citizenship for voting.

“There’s a lot of political messaging from both sides around the bill. Republicans say this would make voting safer, keep out illegal voters. Democrats say it puts up more roadblocks to legitimate voters. Here’s what the bill actually says would be acceptable proof of citizenship for voting under this law,” Tapper told Padilla. “A real ID card, a valid U.S. passport, an official U.S. military ID card, along with a record of service showing a U.S. birthplace, a government-issued photo ID card showing a U.S. birthplace, or, paired with a birth certificate, an adoption decree, report of birth abroad, naturalization certificate, or American Indian card.”

Tapper asked whether the opposition reflects a broader stance against voter identification or concerns with this specific bill.

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“I understand this bill includes a lot more than just the documentation requirements, but a lot of Americans might hear that list and think, ‘That’s a lot of options,’ and wonder, ‘Do Democrats have an issue with voter ID in general, or just this specific voter ID bill?’” Tapper asked.

Padilla defended his party’s stance and said most Americans rely on common IDs, like driver’s licenses or state-issued IDs, which may not qualify under the bill’s stricter requirements.

“I think just the sheer description of this bill as a voter ID bill is a bait-and-switch. Because look, as you’ve laid out, most people’s common ID isn’t enough to be able to vote under the language of this bill. Most people have as an identification, maybe a driver’s license or a state ID, not a real ID,” Padilla said. “That’s why the Trump administration is charging you $45 to travel if you want to board a plane without a real ID. Because a lot of people haven’t taken the step of getting a real ID. Half of Americans don’t have a current valid passport.”

The SAVE Act is a GOP backed election integrity bill that would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship before an individual can register to vote in a federal election. In April, it passed the House 216–213 with only one Democrat joining Republicans in support. It would enforce photo ID at the ballot box while prohibiting mail only voter registration — measures that Republicans say protect election integrity but Democrats argue could create barriers for eligible voters.

Senate Democrats have spent months blocking the SAVE America Act, keeping it from advancing in the Senate despite its passage in the House. The legislation has stalled at the 60 vote threshold that has blocked every major conservative priority this Congress. Opponents say it would restrict voter access even though most states already require some form of identification.

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